Baseball

Gaby Ends Season as NCAA Statistic Champion

Jul 19, 2012

Sophomore outfielder Tyler Gaby finished the 2011-12 season with the highest triples-per-game mark (0.23) in NCAA Division II and second highest overall.

BRISTOL, Tenn. – Tyler Gaby not only helped King Baseball to its first postseason berth since transitioning from NAIA but also stood atop Division II in one of the sport's statistical categories. The sophomore outfielder finished the 2011-12 season number one in triples-per-game in the country. Among all three divisions, Gaby ranked second in the same category.

Gaby, a native of Bristol, Tenn., belted nine triples in 40 games to average 0.23 triples per game during King's first season as a NCAA Division II member. His mark for triples per game led the nation in the category and was 0.05 more than the next nearest Division II player, Dan Fratus of Stonehill College (0.18).

When comparing his 0.23 triples per game mark with all NCAA baseball, Gaby not only leads Division II but has the second-highest triples per game across all three divisions of NCAA Baseball. Gaby was 0.05 better than the best Division I baseball player (Jake Arrington, Sam Houston St.). The only player that ranked higher was Jack Cinoman of the University of Chicago (Division III) who posted 0.26 triples per game, hitting nine in 35 games.

The All-Conference Second Team selection was one of six players to rip nine triples to lead Division II Baseball in that category, as well. Across all three divisions, he ranks fourth overall in total triples.

Gaby finished the year with a .386 batting average, 32 runs scored, 23 runs batted in, and one home run. He completed his sophomore season with 22 extra-base hits, using his exceptional speed to hit 12 doubles and his nationally-recognized nine three-baggers.

The Tornado finished the 2011-12 season with a 30-20 overall record and qualified for the Conference Carolinas Tournament in its first year competing in the conference. They won five of their last six games against the two top teams in the West Division to advance to the tournament and won their first round game against Pfeiffer.